It's great to be back...............

OK the weather was not what you would hope for, but there was a spring in the step of MCC members as the first "proper" game of the season got underway. The "visitors" were Southfield Nursing Home, with an odd "ringer" or younger relation, as they are called, bribed to turn out, and an easy victory was expected.
Capt Yaxley duly won the toss, mainly 'cos their captain couldn't see the coin, but who cares, and he correctly chose to bat. Tim & Nige put on 33 in the first 3 overs, well to be factual, Tim scored 28* and Nige watched- though to be fair he did go on to score 13 in his own time. A resident of Aston Tirrold came in next to give a demo on tree felling, before returning to the pavilion to complete ridicule- luckily Bomber is very thick skinned & momemtum was unaffected because Westy & Charlie kept the scoreboard moving with some decent strikes. Young Sam top scored with 29 & "PSV" Howard umpired with his usual ignorance of the rules of cricket- but we love him anyway ! Nigel had a geriatric moment with the scorebook, which made Southfield feel at home, and their target turned out to be just 152 to win, which coincidentally was the combined age of their opening bowlers !
At 12-4 the game was over- Tim had just put in an entry for catch of the day, Westy & Jonny were bowling well, and Vicksy was a revelation behind the stumps, (he's finally found something he's good at !) but Jonny decided to be charitable & put "wide boy" Bomber on, who offered them a glimmer of hope with the longest over of the day- luckily Sam & Simon restored some order with good bowling, and young Dan chipped in with a wicket, leaving Step Dad Thompy as the loser in that household. Darkness & rain followed, as Southfield batted for the draw that doesn't exist in Twenty20.

It was good to retire to The Bear for a curry & compare membership subscriptions with fellow players, who are all enjoying the FREE membership offer from the club this year.

Next week Jonny looks forward to Capt Beaky !!